GEORGE TOWN: The streets here will come alive on Monday as Buddhists gather to celebrate Wesak Day, while Hindus celebrate the annual “mini Thaipusam” with vibrant grand processions.
While Wesak Day will also see exhibitions, talks and donation drives for the needy, Chithirai Pournami or mini-Thaipusam will see a chariot procession from Little India to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, with kavadi bearers fulfilling vows on Monday.
The Wesak Day procession will begin at 6pm from the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) in Burma Road.
It will proceed along Kelawei Road and Burma Lane, where the Burmese Buddhist Temple and the Siamese Reclining Buddha Temple are located.
The route continues onto another stretch of Burma Road, followed by Peel Avenue, Macalister Road, Perak Road and Anson Road, before returning to MBA after dark.
Penang Wesak Day Celebrations Committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Aun said yesterday that this year marks the 2,569th commemoration of the Thrice Blessed Day of Gautama Buddha, honouring his birth, enlightenment and attainment of Mahaparinirvana.
“It is in the heart of every Buddhist that the holiest of holy days be observed with deep respect and reverence,” he said.
In addition to the grand procession, a special eve ceremony will be held tomorrow, featuring offerings, a souvenir presentation and a Wesak Night Dinner for the underprivileged and disabled.
Food supplies, gifts and cash donations will be distributed to charitable homes, the elderly, the disabled and orphans while dharma talks will also be held at various temples.
The Wesak Day celebrations began earlier this week with a lotus-themed exhibition featuring Buddhist calligraphy, paintings and cultural displays.
For the Chithira Pournami festival, the chariot carrying the idol of Lord Murugan will leave the Queen Street Mahamariamman Temple at 6pm on Sunday to the Waterfall temple.
On Monday, kavadi bearers will pay homage and fulfil their vows. At 7pm on Tuesday, the chariot will begin its return journey.
